Buying a Used Car Seat

Need some advice from moms....

We are figuring out our daycare situation (I'm pregnant) and we are going to have to relay on FIL for any kind of emergency pick ups - for example, if the baby gets sick during the day.

DH and I both work in the city and will be probably an hour from the baby.

Therefore, I wanted to consider buying a used car seat for FIL's car.

I know that the safety regulations change - is there a way to tell how old a car seat is when buying it used? I would want something pretty new and obviously in good condition.

I don't want to get 2 new ones because the baby may or may not even need to use this back-up one. I am thinking it shouldn't be more than a handful of times at most before they grow out of it, etc.

Do you think this is do-able?

Buying a Used Car Seat

There should be a manufacture date on all car seats (or an expiration date) typically seats expire 5 years after manufacture but that isn't true for all. My evenflo symphony for example is 8 years.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a used car seat for numerous reasons. If it has been in an accident it could be compromised. If the straps were washed or cleaned with chemical cleaners they could be compromised too. As far as I know there is no way to tell those things just by looking at a seat.

I would either see if a friend has a seat that they can insure is in like new condition and buy it off of them, or buy a new seat, just a cheaper one. All seats have to pass safety tests to be on the market.

Buying a Used Car Seat

If you are using an infant seat then just buy a base and usually you can leave the carrier at daycare.

if you need a convertible I'd buy a new cheaper seat.......there are plenty of good ones out there

Re: Buying a Used Car Seat

I'd buy a cheaper convertible seat over a used seat. This way you don't have to worry about the baby out growing it before you ever even need it. The only issue I could see is installing the car seat quickly if you've never done it before. I can't imagine your FIL wants a big seat in his car on the rare ocassion he needs to do the pick up.

Could your FIL just get a spare key to one of your cars and pick it up at a train station if he needs to get your son? From your post it seems like this is an emergency only situation not an everyday thing?

Re: Buying a Used Car Seat

we got the Cosco Scenera at Target and it was really cheap, like $35 maybe and has good reviews. We use it as our 2nd seat and it is great.

Buying a Used Car Seat

I am in the city and rely on my inlaws as well.

I would buy an extra infant seat base and a new, inexpensive carseat. A lot of people rave about thr Cosco seat thats around $40.

Re: Buying a Used Car Seat

I would just buy a new cheap car seat. There are some that are less than $50.

Re: Buying a Used Car Seat

I would buy a cheap convertible car seat. Go to Target, Walmart, or Costco. They have plenty of cheaper seats, that will be a good back up car seat.